August 2012

Volume 48

Issue 2

Available online at http://www/ncwsa.org/newsletters/

Northern California World Service Area Newsletter

Each Day A New Beginning

NCWSA 12 Stepper NewsletterAugust 2012, Volume 48, Issue 2

The 12 Stepper is the newsletter of the Northern California World Service Area (NCWSA). A free copy of the April and August issues are mailed to all Al-Anon Family Groups (AFG) registered with NCWSA, and to the Delegate, NCWSA officers, coordinators, liaisons and District Representatives (DRs). A limited number of copies are shared with other AFG areas across the country; all others are sold on a subscription basis. A subscription form is included at the back of this issue. Typically, each issue is published shortly after the two NCWSC meetings held in February and May, and after the NCWSA Assembly in October of each year.

April Issue – This issue typically includes the Annual Financial Report, One-Day Assembly agenda, and May through August announcements and reports. Deadline is one week after the Feb. NCWSC meeting.

August Issue – The August issue includes the minutes from the prior Assembly, the next year’s budget, reports, and announcements of special AFG events from September through December. Deadline is the end of May.

December Issue – The web-only (paper copies will NOT be sent) December issue includes information on the yearly Al-Anon Convention, committee and district reports from the prior Assembly, and announcements of special AFG events from January through April. Deadline is the end of October.

Al-Anon’s Declaration of UnityEach member of the fellowship is a significant part of a great circle of hope. While respecting each other’s individuality, our common welfare must come first. Our recovery depends on our mutual need and an atmosphere of trust. -- approved by the 1984 World Service Conference

Editors’ CornerHave you attended a writing workshop facilitated by our Literature Coordinator Diana S? I did, along with around 60 others in Petaluma, and loved it. Contact Diana S. to arrange a writing workshop in your district or go to San Jose August 18 (see calendar on page 10). I can’t grow in recovery alone, and the purpose of this newsletter is to help connect us all.Love in service,12 Stepper Editor Tom K

We are working together to improve & expand our Fellowship! I am glad to be part of this effort.Love in service,Alt 12 Stepper Editor Laurie B

Submitting Material to the 12 StepperAll members are invited to contribute District news and announcements. Please include your name, address, phone number and email address. The deadline for the next issue of the 12 Stepper is November 4, 2012. Articles may be submitted in Microsoft Word format electronically to Tom K and Laurie B at 12steppereditor@ncwsa.org. All other items may be sent to the 12 Stepper Editor Tom K, 2510 28th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94116.

Donations to NCWSAPlease send donations to: NCWSA TREASURER, PO BOX 728, VACAVILLE, CA 95696-0728.

Don’t forget to include your group’s WSO #, and donation form A25, available at: http://www.ncwsa.org/forms/

The 12 StepperTable of Contents

12 Stepper Information.......................................................................1

Table of Contents..................................................................................2

Events Calendar for September-December..........................................3

Contacting NCWSA...............................................................................3

Contacting WSO....................................................................................3

October 12-14, 2012 Assembly Agenda...............................................4

October 12-14, 2012 Assembly Registration form................................6

October 8-9, 2011 Assembly Minutes...................................................7

2013 H & I Conference Information.......................................................11

2013 Budget for Approval at 2012 October Assembly..........................12

Officer Reports......................................................................................13

Coordinator Reports..............................................................................18

NCWSA Convention 2012 Financial Report..........................................22

WSO Newsletters..................................................................................23

Alateen Sponsors’ R&R Flier Sep. 14-16, 2012....................................24

District Service and Speaker Meetings Calendars................................28

NOCAC’s 2nd Bash Flier August 17-19..................................................29

Al-Anon Acronyms.................................................................................30

NCWSA Boundaries Map......................................................................31

NCWSA Contact Information.................................................................32

12 Stepper Subscription Form............................................................35

www.ncwsa.org August 2012 12 Stepper Page 5 of 34

Events Calendar 2012Please see http://www.ncwsa.org/cal-2011_Events.html for latest calendar updates.

See list of monthly district events at the end of this issue.

Date Event Location Information/ContactAug 17-19 NoCAC Bash

campoutLake Chabot Regional ParkCastro Valley, CA

Cat B. (chair) nocacchair@ncwsa.orgJeff G. (sponsor) nocacsponsor@ncwsa.org

August 182-4:00 p.m.

Writing WorkshopIntimacy In Alcoholic Relationships

St. Edwards Episcopal Church15040 Union AvenueSan Jose, CA

Diana S literature@ncwsa.org

August 25 D12 Day In Al-Anon St Philip's Church665 Elizabeth St. at Diamond.San Francisco

Email dayinalanon@al-anonsf.org

Sept. 8 Archives Party 3401 Crestline WaySoquel, CA 95073

cmrturtle@comcast.net dcotta@dimare-ca.com

Sept. 14-16

6th Annual Alateen Sponsors’ Weekend

See flier in this 12 StepperOccidental, CA

Bonnie M – 209-996-5282alateencoordinator@ncwsa.org

Oct. 6 Archives Party 3401 Crestline WaySoquel, CA 95073

cmrturtle@comcast.net dcotta@dimare-ca.com

Oct. 12-14 NCWSA Assembly

Embassy Suites1441 Canyon Del ReySeaside, CA 93955

See flier in this issue

Nov. 16-18 AA Conference with Al-Anon participation

Yosemitehttp://www.serenityyosemite.com/

email: ysc@sti.n et

April 5-7, 2013

Hospitals & Institutions Conference

Crown Plaza HotelFoster City, CA

See flier in this issue

July 5-7, 2013

Al-Anon International Convention

Vancouver, BC Canada

http://www.al-anon.org/members/

Al-Anon Forum announcements

Contacting NCWSAA list of contacts for NCWSA is at http://www.ncwsa.org /contactus.html . More contacts are at the end of the printed version of this newsletter.

Contacting WSO (World Service Office) General Al-Anon Web - http://www.al-anon.org/ Members’ Web – http://www.al-anon.org/membersfor CAL publications, The Forum,

Calendar, blogs, WSC Summary, Service Manual, other newsletters, etc. Email – wso@al-anon.org Meeting Information: (888) 4AL-ANON Physical Address: AFG, Inc.

1600 Corporate Landing Pkwy.Virginia Beach, VA 23454-5600

Phone (757) 563-1600

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Tentative Agenda -- NCWSA October AssemblyFri Oct 12, Sat Oct 13, Sun Oct 14, 2012 – Seaside, CA

Location: Embassy Suites, 1441Canyon del Rey Blvd, Seaside, CA 93955

FRIDAY4:00 pm Assembly and Voting Registration - Open (through Saturday)7.30 pm GR Orientation

Al-Anon Meeting

SATURDAY8:00 am Opening: Serenity Prayer, Traditions, Concepts, Warranties

Chairperson’s Welcome – Yvonne dGCommittee Roll Call and District Holler – Patti RReview Voting Procedures, Voice & Vote, Voting Member Count NCWSA Secretary’s Report – Patti RApproval of Minutes from October 2011 AssemblyApproval of Minutes from May 2012 Assembly(Minutes can be found on the www.ncwsa.org website, in the “Service” section)NCWSA Treasurer’s Financial Report – Claude D (15 min)

Executive Committee Report - EC Chair (10 min) 9:15 am District Reports: draw 9 districts (five min per district)

10:00 am -------------------------Break (15 min)------------------------------------------------

10:15 am Preview of Budget Discussion/Q & A (Budget approval is after lunch) 10:30 am Old Business11:00 am Group Record Form Changes (Focus check box) -- Past Delegate John S New! Public Outreach Poster Contest

Noon -------------------------Break for Lunch --------------------------------------------- 1:30 pm Budget approval – Johanna MM2:30 pm International Al-Anon Convention – Patrick B2:45 pm Coordinator Reports (5 min)

Alateen – Bonnie MAlateen Liaison’s Report –North/Central/SouthNoCAC Chair Report – Cat

AAPP (Area Alateen Process Person) Charli D-------------7th Tradition----------------------------------

2:00 pm Workshop - (Topic TBD) –

3:30 pm -------------------------Break (15 min)------------------------------------------------

3:45 pm Ask-it Basket answers District Reports: draw 9 districts (5 minutes/District)

4:30 pm Coordinator Reports (5 minutes/Coordinator)NCWSA Convention -- Amparo12 Stepper – Tom KWebsite – Errol SGroup Records – Carol GPublic Information/Cooperating w/the Professional Community – Sue MLiterature – Diana S

5:00 pm -----------------------------Dinner-------------------------------------------------------

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8:00 pm Speaker Meeting: TBD (We have invited a member of WSO or a Trustee)

Tentative Agenda -- NCWSA October Assembly (pg 2)SUNDAY8:00 am Opening: Serenity Prayer, Traditions, Concepts, Warranties

Committee Roll Call and District Holler – Patti RReview Voting Procedures, Voice & Vote, Voting Member Count Chairperson’s Report – Yvonne de GroenDelegate’s Report – Patrick B

Vote count9:15 am District Reports: draw 9 districts (5 minutes/District)

10:00 am -------------Break (hotel check out) -----------------------------------------------------------

10:30 am Intergroup Reports (5 minutes/Intergroup)District 6-10No CA Hispanic IntergroupSpanish Intergroup East Bay

Spanish South Bay IntergroupSanta Clara Valley Intergroup

11:00 am Thought force: Prison meetings11:15 am Coordinator Reports (5 minutes/Coordinator) Diversity – Chris AC Bylaws & Insurance – Joyce D

Facilities – Dede WInstitutions – David BArchives – Chris M

11:45 am -------------------------Break for Lunch ---------------------------------------------

1:15 pm Old business New Business

Group Focus – AAC, LGBT, Parents, Men, Women, Regular Al-AnonWSO has removed the Group Focus from the WSO group registration form.Discussion (Knowledge Based Decision Making KBDM) will be held on whether NCWSA will remove Group Focus or keep it in NCWSA Group Registration Form A16. If we remove the Group Focus for our 800 meetings the data will be gone and difficult to replace. Should NCWSA maintain this data element (Group Focus) when WSO removes it? This means that NCWSA must maintain a separate database from WSO. WSO’s recommendation is to put the focus in the name of the meeting.NCWSA Form A16 is at: http://www.ncwsa.org/wp-content/library/pages/forms/A16_GrpRcdsChg.pdf

( Hopefully closing at 3 pm)

Participation

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is the Key

to Harmony

NCWSA Fall AssemblyOctober 12-14, 2012

This event abides by NCWSA Area Alateen Safety Requirements.

EMBASSY SUITES 1441 CANYON DEL REY SEASIDE, CA 93955 DIRECT (831) 393-1115 TOLL FREE (800) 362-2779 www.MonteryBay.Embassysuites.com

Reservation cut-off date: Wednesday, September 12, 2012 Use code “NCWSA”

Double bed suite for single, double, triple or quad $159 King bed suite for single, double, triple or quad $159 All rooms have a kitchenette with a sleeper sofa. There is a $1/night Tourism Assessment fee. Parking is free. Room rates include a full cooked-to-order breakfast each morning for all hotel guests. Check in time: 4pm. Check out time: 11am.

Pre-Registration $20 before 9/12/12 – after 9/12/12, $30 at the event

Pre-Registration deadline is: September 12, 2012

Please mail your registration, check/money order to:District 24 AFG, c/o Assembly Registration, PO Box 51901, Pacific Grove, CA 93950

PLEASE PRINT LEGIBLY

If GR—Home Group: if DR—District#:

Officer/CoordinatorName: Position:

Address: City: Zip:

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Amount enclosed: $ by check/money order payable to NCWSA--$20 per person (after 9/12--$30 at the event)

For more information, contact: Event Chair Terry, at (831) 269-9985, t_hedger@yahoo.com Alternate Event Chair David, at (831) 275-0684, david.8723@gmail.com

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Abridged NCWSA Assembly Minutes October 8-9, 2011, Squaw ValleyPlease note: The complete minutes, including attachments from the Executive Committee Audit and the Diversity Task Force report and survey, ran to 85 pages. Each DR has been provided with one paper copy. The entire Minutes are available on the NCWSA website, at http://www.ncwsa.org/Docs/Assembly_20111008_Minutes_Draft.pdf. The Committee decided to publish only these abridged minutes and direct those who want the full minutes to those sources. In addition, anyone wanting the full minutes in hard copy may contact either the Alternate Delegate or the Secretary, whose contact info is in the last pages of this 12 Stepper. The full report includes reports from officers and coordinators, districts, intergroups, and committees, and announcements, as well as the attachments listed above.

Motions: 1110.01: Approval of Minutes from October 2010 Assembly, as amended. Moved: Charlene R, Seconded: Denice. Passed with substantial unanimity1110.02: Approval of Minutes from May 2011 Assembly as presented: Moved: Sandi C, Seconded: Joyce E. Passed with substantial unanimity 1110.03: Motion to approve the budget as presented: Moved: Debbie M, Seconded: Martie S. Passed with substantial unanimity1110.04: Motion: NCWSA allocate $3500 for purchase of audio-visual equipment to be used at Assemblies, Committee meetings, Convention and other NCWSA events. Moved: Sandi C, Seconded: Debbie O. Passed with substantial unanimity1110.05: Motion: That the Assembly adjourn. Moved: Ruth, Seconded: Marie. Passed with substantial unanimityElections:Results Delegate: Patrick BAlternate Delegate: Johanna MMChairperson: Yvonne dSecretary: Patti RTreasurer: Claude DAAPP: Charli DReport to Assembly of Coordinators/Alternate Coordinators elected at Saturday night’s Committee meeting:12-Stepper Editor: Tom K/Laurie BAlateen Coordinator: Bonnie M/Lisa BArchives Coordinator: Chris M/Diana CBylaws and Insurance Coordinator: Joyce D/Kim HDiversity: Chris A-C/Veronica PFacilities Coordinator: DeDe W/Peggy PGroup Records: Carol G/Karleen HInstitutions: David B/openLiterature Coordinator: Diana S/Charlene RPI/CPC: Sue M/Cindy DWeb Site Coordinator: Errol S/openCoordinator Alternate elections: Chris D is willing to stand for Web Site Alternate. Carry message back to your meetings. Let DR or Chairperson know if there is anyone interested in either Web Site or Institutions Alternate. Elections will be at October 29 Committee Meeting.

ProcessChaired by Sandi C (Immediate Past Delegate is alternate to Chair)1st Voting member count-off: 242+2 * (2/3 majority=163 needed to elect)DELEGATE: Joan W, Patrick B, and Bonnie M stood. In three votes we did not get a 2/3 majority and decided to draw from a hat: Patrick’s name was pulled.The rest of the elections were chaired by Patrick.ALTERNATE DELEGATE: Johanna MM and Lori K stood. In the third vote, Johanna MM received a 2/3 majority.2nd Voting member count-off: 223+3=226 * (2/3 majority = 151 needed to electCHAIRPERSON: Tom K, Bonnie M. David B, Patti R, and Yvonne d stood. On the second vote, Yvonne d was elected.SECRETARY: Lisa B and Patti R stood. On the first vote (simple majority needed), Patti R was elected.TREASURER: No one stood on Saturday. On Sunday morning, Claude D was nominated by the Alternate Delegate. She was called and agreed to serve. Tom K stood, but withdrew in favor of Claude. She was affirmed by written ballot.AAPP: Tom K and Charli D stood; Tom withdrew in favor of Charli and she was affirmed by written ballot.Finance Report The Income and Expenses Report to Sept 30, 2011 was presented, showing total income of $90,502.64, expenses of $80,455.68, for a net income YTD of $10,046.96. Details are available from the Treasurer. The end of September balance sheet showed total assets of $57,499.21, of which $18,758 was in Money Market and a 12-month CD for a prudent reserve, and $7524.75 was donated especially for literature for prisons and earmarked for that. Current liabilities were $2,819.48, so equity was $54,679.73.

ASK-IT-BASKET: Questions, with Answers:Is it OK to close with the OA Prayer (I put my hand in yours…)?How is it that the “I put my hand in yours…” prayer is not okay, the Lord’s Prayer is?—just curious.

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What does NCWSA or WSO have to say/recommend about groups using the Lord’s Prayer to end meetings since it is a prayer that came from the leader of one religion, and Al-Anon is not a religious program? (We would not tolerate the use of a prayer from the Jewish faith, or from Islam, or Hindu faiths, would we?)The OA Prayer is copyrighted by the founder of OA. If your meeting wants to use it, you must request permission from OA, and it is an outside organization. The Lord’s Prayer is a traditional prayer that began to be used in the early AA meetings. It moved into Al-Anon when we began. Its use in Al-Anon has been discouraged since the late 1960’s, but some groups still use it. It is affiliated with Christianity and for that reason can be excluding. I suggest you use the Declaration to close meetings instead.Is there a WSO approved reading for the newcomers in the groups?WSO recommends all CAL (Conference Approved Literature) for all members. Newcomer packets are available for groups. How Al-Anon Works is now our basic book about the program. Paths to Recovery is our book about the Steps, Traditions, and Concepts.What is the estimated time of arrival of WSO’s statement on Dual Membership?The Policy Committee is looking at this. They will present at next year’s Conference (April 2012). This is not a change to the policy but a clarification of the services dual members may perform.Where is “Do Not Refer issue” at now? WSO is grappling with this issue, and has started a Task Force, considering putting those on a list not to refer, but they will always keep a meeting on their lists. This will be presented to the 2012 Conference for discussion.Should Districts have a budget? All are autonomous. How do you manage your money? Budget is a plan to manage your money. If District is incorporated, it does need a budget, by law. If a district is not incorporated, what Bylaws cover them? Is it the Intergroup, if they are part of one, or NCWSA?If a district is not incorporated, it has no Bylaws. It must depend on the Traditions, Concepts and the Service Manual. There is no requirement for incorporation.What is the local commitment to a specific meeting? Is it six months or 13 weeks before a rotation of leadership occurs?This is a topic for Group Autonomy: each group gets to make the decision for itself. The Service Manual suggests that Group Representatives and their Alternates serve for all three years of a panel, but that’s always one day at a time. Many groups have different lengths of service depending on the service position. For instance, in my home group GR and AGR are three

years, Treasurer is one year, Literature is six months and Secretary is three months, but that’s only one example.There are two meeting tonight: how do we pick which ones to attend? Delegate says come to election (NCWSC meeting to elect coordinators), but if you want to go to an Al-Anon meeting instead, go to that. Our Welcome suggests we try many meeting and then select the one you like. I would suggest you try this approach.How far in the future do you anticipate Al-Anon literature being available electronically? WSO is asking which format; we can’t do all of them. If there were an electronic standard, WSO would publish in that.What is TEAM? Together Empowering Al-Anon MembersOn page 61 of the Stepper, I see that the Area had net income in 2010 because of the TEAM event. Were there any TEAM event expenses absorbed by the host district and/or the Area?There were TEAM event expenses, but they were not detailed in the budget. The expenses were paid by the Area.Pink Cans: I see that prison groups are the primary beneficiaries of our funds. Why so narrow, when there are other targeted groups, like Rehab facilities, etc.? Perhaps our resources should go more toward prevention.There is no reason that someone couldn’t open discussion about this as New Business. What’s a double winner?A person who is member of both AA and Al-Anon, also known as a Dual Member.What to do about breaking anonymity? We don’t have to be anonymous within meeting, but if you want to be anonymous, ask people to keep your anonymity.What can be helpful when someone reveals a member’s address to the whole group at the group level and the member is incensed with the loss of anonymity and the member continues to seek satisfaction and not find it?See the Service Manual, page 39-40, on Traditions 11 and 12. There is no recourse for this. It is unfortunate that it happened but, once done, there is no way to erase the memory. Perhaps the member can work with their sponsor to let go of their anger.Re: each district’s guidelines for district committees. How are they done? Solely by the DR? By the District Committee for Guidelines? By the District’s individual committee? Should they be voted on at the district business meeting prior to being enforced?This is up to district autonomy. The district should discuss this process using KBDM (Knowledge-Based

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Decision Making) and the Traditions and Concepts to reach a satisfactory method for practicing their guidelines.What are acceptable items for raffles and silent auctions during a Day in Al-Anon? a) in group gift baskets, can there be books that are not CAL? b) can someone donate a book for the raffle that is not CAL?See the Service Manual, page 95. “Additional precautions need to be taken so that we are not diverted from our primary purpose and do not imply endorsement.” We need to be careful that the donations do not imply a product endorsement.Does an enlarged map of the central districts exist? The map on pg. 56 of the 12 Stepper is difficult to “grok” in that sub-area.No, the map is intended only to delineate the general division of our Area into Sections. The new web site map may be useful to you.

Is the area looking into providing a “permission to copy” form to make copies of Al-Anon speaker tapes at district speaker meetings? D20 has such a form, so, if I wanted to make copies of other districts’ recorded speaker tapes, do they have a form as well? Would it be easier if the Area had one form for all districts?That would be a district-by-district and speaker decision. However, the DRs could discuss this at their monthly DR meetings and make a decision.Special-focus meetings, whether for men, teenagers, adult children, LGBT, cultures and languages, have been natural, loving and successful ways of inviting and supporting new cultures to Al-Anon. Can we, as an Area, have a full discussion and Area-level VOTE on the decision by WSO and Group Records to no longer track group focus information? This will be presented to the next Chair as a topic.Is it true than anyone may attend any meeting regardless of noted group focus? For instance, may men attend a meeting that is designated a “women’s” meeting?All Al-Anon meetings are open to all members, regardless of focus. Alateen meetings are open to ages 12-21. Institutional meetings may have restrictions based on the requirements of the institution.Another answer: when an Al-Anon or Alateen member needs a meeting, they are welcome to attend whatever meeting is available, and generally will be welcomed so long as they are not disruptive and are there because they need the meeting. They will surely be encouraged to attend other meetings that might be more suitable. This is not to endorse a man attending a women’s meeting because he wants to meet women or check on his wife, for example, which would be disruptive and not fulfilling our spiritual purpose.

Our district Alateen coordinator asked if she could use the circle in a triangle logo on a handout of Alateen schedules, and got the answer that no, that symbol was reserved for WSO things.See the Service Manual, page 104. The logo may be used on Al-Anon and Alateen material. This is with the permission of WSO.When there is only one candidate running for a position and there is only a simple majority required, can a motion be made to suspend rules for written notes, and a vote be made by acclamation?A motion could be made, however, in fairness to candidates and voters, it is better to not make a vote public. Doing it the way we do follows our Bylaws and Guidelines, so changing it would require a vote by the Assembly.For the election of our Area Delegate, why don’t we have a time for discussion with endorsements and objections as we do for other votes?The only time we do endorsements is if the member is not present, but we could ask that the EC look at it and make a recommendation to the Committee and Assembly to possibly make changes to Bylaws and/or Guidelines.Are there guidelines available for setting up child-care services during an Al-Anon meeting? How does it get covered by insurance, if at all? Do the babysitters need to be security checked?No, we currently do not have guidelines for childcare. This is left to the individual meeting. The meeting can set up childcare under its autonomy. The Area does not currently certify childcare. See the Service Manual page 96.Another answer: Liability for childcare is covered by the Area’s Liability Insurance; contact the Bylaws and Insurance coordinator for details.Could we change name of PI/CPC to Public Outreach? Public Outreach covers everything that goes to the public: Diversity, PI/CPC, Institutions.Why doesn’t Al-Anon give chips?That’s an AA thing, but each group is autonomous.Why hold the Assembly at a place at expensive as Squaw Valley? I’m mindful of my group’s money. I don’t understand why the Convention for 2012 is being held in such as obscure location—distance, mountain travel, far from the general population.This site was chosen for other reasons: rooms can be shared and you can prepare your own meals. Also, we want to get back to the bid process, so it’s a group conscience which place we choose. Overall, this has been a good site.Why not make candidate information available far enough in advance so I can ask my group to vote and bring their preference to Assembly? This is a direction we are moving toward. Traditionally, one can come to Assembly and find

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oneself moved to stand at the moment. We asked candidates to stand at the May Assembly, but some changed their minds. The EC recommended we publish candidate statements and we’ve considered implementing that, but it happened too soon before the Assembly to implement at this Assembly.Why is Al-Anon literature more expensive than AA’s (aside from the $5 paperback How Al-Anon Works)? Why isn’t Al-Anon literature available on line (like AA’s)?Al-Anon is independent from AA and does not collaborate on pricing. Al-Anon is dependent on literature sales, in addition to donations, to operate the World Service Office. The World Service Conference is examining how to make more literature available on line. Several pamphlets are available on the web site al-anon.org, e.g.: 20 Questions, and has many sharings from members.Could we stop referring to people of color as “those people”? A more appropriate term is prospective Al-Anon members from diverse communities.How does the WSO go about changing current literature or adding new literature, especially pamphlets? This is well described in the Service Manual, pg 99-104. All new literature and major revisions of current literature have to be approved by the World Service Conference. Minor revisions can be made by the Board of Trustees. All changes begin because of suggestions from Al-Anon members who ask for a change: you and I can send those letters. Literature on the back has a symbol that says “Approved by the World Service Conference.” Other pieces or pamphlets, used for attraction, and Service Pamphlets, are written by Public Outreach office at WSO.In the interest of increasing diversity, any suggestions as to a pathway to take to broaden the wording of the Steps to encompass diverse spiritual beliefs and traditions?As an agnostic grateful member of Al-Anon, I have always had a hard time with calling God “He” and “Him” rather than using gender-neutral language in the Steps/Traditions. I understand that groups can be de-listed for gender-neutralizing Steps/Traditions. It seems we are considering only two options at the World Service level: 1)keep Step/Tradition language paternalistic or 2)make everyone change the language to be gender-neutral. Why aren’t we considering option 3, which would allow a group to choose between traditional & gender-neutral versions of the S&T based on group conscience, just as we allow prayers to be chosen by group conscience?1st answer: Changing the Steps/Traditions can only be made by a 2/3 vote of ALL Al-Anon/Alateen groups in the US & Canada, pg 164, Conf Charter (d) in Service

Manual. Quote from a long-time member: “We want recovery from this family disease. Therefore we need to follow the program and recognize that when we are busy trying to change it we are side-tracking our own spiritual recovery that is there for the taking. The “yes but” will only keep us crippled. My first sponsor told me that this phrase must be dropped from my vocabulary along with “if only”. If we paid attention in school, we were taught that the pronoun ‘he’ is accepted to represent all genders. Most of us accept there are he and she and many genders in between. It would be cumbersome to put them all in a writing to cover all.”2nd answer: Another option to consider is to preface the reading of the Steps and Traditions with something like, “These are the Legacy Steps and Traditions, used in all Al-Anon and Alateen meetings. They were written in 1951, based on AA’s Steps and Traditions written in 1936, and reflect the language of the times. We invite you to listen with an open mind and interpret the language with your own sensibilities.”Can you give us more information about a research request received by some groups? Please explain AFG sending Family Health Survey from VA in Palo Alto. Please help us see the distinction between affiliation and cooperation. The letter itself explained why it does meet Traditions and Concepts. We do have a history of cooperation with outside organizations that want to tell the public about Al-Anon. This is not endorsement. We might give technical expertise to a group, but they can’t use our name. Page 107 of the Service Manual talks about cooperation and affiliation. Current Pamphlets S-20, P-34, and S-37ES provide some guidance. I’ve been speaking at a hospital mental health clinic of dual-diagnosis patients; I recently stopped because an insurance company objected to non-medical information given there. There is little research out there about how living with alcoholism affects the family. Medical people don’t want anecdotal information or out-dated information; they need current research. Most of the answers are in the Service Manual.Why do the Assembly minutes detail everything that was said, and not just the actions taken? I, the Secretary, try to make it easy to find the actions taken, at the front of the minutes. However, in the future, people may want to find out why we made decisions, not just what they were. The people who take the time to prepare reports deserve to have them available for reading, even if not everyone wants to read the entire minutes. As the panel has progressed, I have tried to trim down the excessive verbiage and the personalities vs. principles.What is a good response to meeting disruptions, i.e., someone cross-talking, citing outside literature, sharing double-winner substance woes, etc.? Is

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there something written as suggestions, like asking for a group conscience asking a disruptive member to leave?If someone breaks another member’s anonymity during a meeting, or commits egregious crosstalk, is it appropriate/expected that the secretary or another member speak out then and there and “correct” them? Is there anything in guidelines governing this?Traditions 1 & 2 refer to the group conscience and the common welfare of the group. These form the basis for the resolution of conflict. Yes the group can vote out a disruptive member through its group conscience. This should be done with great care and only after attempts to educate the disruptive member.What are options when dual members (AA/Al-Anon group attendees) are disruptive consistently to meetings, talking AA problem/literature, and won’t stop talking when asked?

This is bringing an outside program into Al-Anon. There are both an Al-Anon focus pamphlet and table card that give examples to keep the Al-Anon focus. If the members cannot accept this, they can be asked to leave, based on the group taking a group conscience.What exactly is “pyramid sponsorship”? How do we know if a group is doing that? What procedures are used to “delist” a group?Pyramid Sponsorship is the term applied to the practice of tracking a sponsorship lineage back to a particular admired member. This has developed into meetings dominated by the “Grandsponsor” who requires the sponsees to follow the program as that sponsor does; in some groups it has become cult-like, with required dues, service, and abuse. Any group that clearly has requirements or demands money would be an example. We currently do not have any procedure or guidelines for delisting groups.

Northern California2013 Hospital & Institutions

Conferencewith Al-Anon Participation

SAVE THE DATE April 5, 6 & 7

Crown Plaza Hotel, Foster City

Speakers & Panels on Prisons, Jails,

Juvenile Halls & Much More!

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For more information, contact: David B, NCWSA Institutions Coordinator

(831) 776-8642 or david.8723@gmail.com

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2013 NCWSA Budget (proposed)This is the budget as presented for approval by the NCWSA Assembly in October 2012. It is a balanced budget. Details have been approved by the NCWSA Committee; what is presented here for approval is a summary budget. For comparison, actual amounts from the past 3 years and the budget for 2012 are included. If you have any questions, please contact me. I'm the Alternate Delegate on the Roster. --Johanna MM

Actual Actual Actual Budget Prop Budget

Jan-Dec 09 Jan-Dec 10 Jan-Dec 11 Jan-Dec 2012 Jan-Dec 2013

Income

4000 Total Donations Income 59,048.83 51,844.78 69,320.29 59,000.00 67,220.00

4110 Total Assembly Income 8,785.52 7,963.96 9,310.16 9,000.00 8,000.00

4120 total Convention Income 14,403.36 9,619.30 12,114.83 13,000.00 13,000.00

4140 Total H & I Conference Income 0.00 1,322.17 896.00 1,500.00 1,000.00

4150 Total Sponsors R&R 8,407.55 8,711.87 8,491.94 8,750.00 8,750.00

4160 Total TEAM event 0.00 1,125.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

4100 Total Events Income 31,596.43 28,742.30 30,812.93 32,250.00 30,750.00

4310 12-Stepper Paid Subscriptions 67.00 62.00 34.00 75.00 50.00

Total Income 90,712.26 80,649.08 100,167.22 91,325.00 98,020.00

Expense

5000 Total Officers and Delegate 5,437.84 3,618.75 3,727.15 5,700.00 5,300.00

5100 Total Coordinators 7,704.21 11,053.94 9,983.98 17,200.00 18,250.00

5200 Total Committees 17,625.91 8,383.72 10,535.68 14,700.00 24,500.00

5300 Total Conferences(Officer/Delegates ) 3,451.42 3,480.18 6,651.66 6,000.00 6,200.00

6110 Total Assembly 6,846.22 15,597.30 15,678.40 11,000.00 6,000.00

6120 Total Conventions 14,408.61 11,193.16 12,849.23 13,000.00 13,000.00

6140 Total H & I Conference 1,914.95 2,029.98 2,052.40 2,300.00 2,000.00

6150 Total Sponsors R & R 8,410.67 8,485.07 8,053.42 8,750.00 8,750.00

6160 Total TEAM event 0.00 4,959.66 0.00 0.00 0.00

6100 Total Events 33,260.45 43,765.17 40,633.45 37,050.00 29,750.00

6310 NoCAC Grant 1,680.00 1,500.00 2,000.00 2,000.00 2,000.00

6410 Stepper Expenses 3,426.54 2,975.87 3,468.70 3,000.00 3,150.00

7000 Total Corporate Expenses 7,621.83 7,661.30 7,637.22 7,350.00 8,870.00

Total Expense 78,528.20 80,938.93 82,637.84 91,000.00 98,020.00

Net Other income 1,751.44 9,308.71 (187.78) 75.00 0.00

NET INCOME 13,935.50 9,018.86 17,341.60 400.00 0.00

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AQCZFlByb2ZpdCAmIExvc3AQAAAAkFASAAAAAAAAA

Officer ReportsDelegate: Patrick BReport from the 2012 World Service ConferenceGreetings, Members of the Northern California World Service Area (NCWSA),From April 15-20, 2012, I had the privilege of representing this area at the 52nd annual World Service Conference (WSC). This conference is attended by 67 Delegates from the United States and Canada, 18 Trustees and some of the staff members from the World Service Office (WSO). This is the largest representative group conscience for Al-Anon. As Delegate, it is my role to represent Northern California in the discussions and decisions that are made at WSC, as well as to report back to the members of this area. I gave my formal report at the Assembly in Concord, CA on May 5, and will highlight some of the same information below (you can find slides from my report on the NCWSA.org website, under Service and then Assembly Misc). I am available to come to your district, if you would like to invite me (email to delegate@ncwsa.org).First, some impressions of my first WSC: It was a truly spiritual experience and I really saw the Concepts come to life. I have read them before, but now I really see how they describe the relationship between the different service structures. If you haven’t done so already, I suggest reading pages 171-217 of the Service Manual. I was moved by how smoothly the business meeting was conducted. I believe it was the collective experience of what

worked at the 51 World Service Conferences that preceded this one. Some of the procedures include: One time at the mic per

discussion Only two minutes at the mic Don’t come to the mic if

someone has already expressed your point of view

No applause after someone comments

I believe procedures got us out of the mindset of “debating” an issue and allowed us to really hear the different points. It was very powerful to have everyone’s comments go out into the room, without any response. It was the business side of what happens when we share at a meeting.Now, on to the business: There was much of it. Some was of the routine variety, such as the financial report, the annual report and election of Trustees and Board Officers. We used electronic voting for the first time, which saved a lot of time and went very smoothly. You can read about all of this in the 2012 World Conference Summary, which will be published on the al-anon.org members website, if it is not there already. Each District Representative will receive a hard copy of this summary, when it is available.One of the non-routine business items that we discussed is eLiterature. Three hours were set aside for discussion, focusing on 1) Impact on Al-Anon

Information Services (AISs) and Literature Distribution Centers (LDCs)

2) Impact on the World Service Office (WSO)

3) Impact on other service structures (those outside the US and Canada)

There was a lot of rich discussion and the Conference provided a lot of good input for the Board of Trustees to consider in determining next steps. Two of the primary issues are: AISs and LDCs rely on

literature sales to support the other services they provide, so would they be able to sustain potential drops in literature sales?

How to handle the digital rights management for the eLiterature. A consultant has been hired to help with this, as it is not an area of expertise for the WSO staff.

Given our proximity to a technology center, there may be members who have expertise in the realm of electronic literature and digital rights management. If you have such expertise and are willing to help please contact me at delegate@ncwsa.org.There was consensus that the most important thing is to carry the message of Al-Anon and that eLiterature is a tool for doing this. Stay tuned!Another exciting part of this Conference was the announcement of a trial period for Areas to adapt their structures in a way that will encourage full participation, representation and the most effective communication (see pg 172 of the Service Manual for commentary of trial structure changes). This came out of the Board of Trustees’ efforts to come up with a Conference Structure that works for everyone. Since they have not, over the years, been able to

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come up with such a structure, they have empowered each Area to “be creative, be bold and no holds barred” in coming up with a structure that works for them. Some examples of different challenges that Areas might be facing include: members unwilling to serve

as GR due to three-year commitment

lack of participation due to geographical separation of groups and districts in an area

lack of representation due to large number of meetings in an area.

We have talked about the fact that Northern California has 800 meetings across many miles, and how that might make it difficult for the groups and districts to feel well represented. Until now, an Area has only been able to divide once, which California did many years ago (Southern California has about 1,200 meetings). With this trial period, we are free to discuss our needs and come up with a structure that might work better. We may also decide that our current structure works for us and not make any changes. The only stipulations are that we can’t make changes that go against the Policy section of the Service Manual (pgs 75-118) and, if we want to send additional representatives to the World Service Conference (for example, if we decide to split our Area and want an additional Delegate), it would be with no voice and no vote, at the Area’s expense. The new representative would be able to observe the WSC business and have voice and vote only through the NCWSA

Delegate. The length of the trial is to be determined, but likely more than three years and less than 10. This probably won’t be something that our Area will take immediate action on, but I encourage your groups and districts to talk about how the current structure is working for you and what changes you feel would help. This is a great issue on which to apply Knowledge-Based Decision Making (KBDM).There were also some exciting announcements in the area of Public Outreach. First, The Best of Public Outreach is now available in electronic form. You can find it on the al-anon.org website in the members’ section, under Public Outreach. It is a PDF that you can download onto your e-reader or tablet. This outreach tool is full of public outreach projects that you can do by yourself or with a group, some without spending any money. You can also submit an entry for the public outreach poster contest. The theme is “Is Someone Else’s Drinking Tearing you Apart?” Entries can be submitted in JPEG or PDF format to wso@al-anon.org (Attn: Public Outreach). You may also mail a hard copy or CD to the WSO. Designs can be horizontal or vertical drawings, photographs, paintings, or graphic designs. Other parameters include:no larger than 11” X 17”no smaller than 5.5” X 8.5”200 - 300 dpi at 100% print

sizeno more than 10MB

We heard reports from these Thought and Task Forces (email delegate@ncwsa.org for more information or materials):

Thought Forces: How to Utilize the Service

Manual Members Involved in

Service Work Who Are Unable to Effectively Fulfill the Responsibility of the Position of the Position

How Changes to the Environment Outside of Al-Anon May Affect Our Meetings and the Fellowship as a Whole

Task Forces: Develop Presentations that

Will Help to Strengthen the Communications Between the AIS, Areas, and Districts

Reach Out to Minority Groups

Task Forces that started work in 2012: Piece with Criteria to Help

Service Arms Identify Service Jobs for Dual Members

Tool Kit on Service and Personal Growth

Workshop on the Importance of Conference Approved Literature (CAL) in Meetings

Did You Know?35% of WSO funds comes

from member contributions65% comes from literature

sales If each group (including those that donated $0 last year) donates $13 more this year than last year, WSO will reach its 2012 budget for group contributions. If each group donates $26 more than last year, the amount collected would be enough to cover the 2012 budgeted expenses!Resumes for Trustee at Large or member of the Executive Committee for Real Property

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Management (ECRPM) are due by August 15, 2012. Contact me at delegate@ncwsa.org for the resume form.Thank you very much for the opportunity to serve!Yours in Service,Patrick BNCWSA Delegate

Alternate Delegate: Johanna MMAs Alternate Delegate, my major task is to chair the Budget and Audit Committees. Elsewhere in this issue you will find the proposed budget for 2013. The NCWSC (“the Committee”) approved this budget in detail; it is presented for your approval in summary form. We think it is a reasonable budget, and it is balanced. Hidden within the coordinators’ budget is a greatly expanded allowance for professional interpretation for our Spanish-speaking members. The Committee wants us to commit to full inclusion for our Spanish groups.A budget is a plan for spending. I have learned that if I want to make HP laugh, I should tell him my plans; however, as a corporation we do need to have a general idea of where we intend to spend money. It gives us goals and guidelines. There are mechanisms in place to adjust these as we go, which is certainly necessary since we make these plans far in advance.I am available to talk to your districts or groups about anything Al-Anon related. My contact information is included at the back of the 12 Stepper.

Delegado Alterno: Johanna MM (en español)Área de Servicio Mundial del Norte de CaliforniaOctubre 2012

Como Delegado Alterno, mi tarea principal es la presidencia del Comité de Presupuesto y Auditoría. En otras partes de este boletín informativo se encuentra el proyecto de presupuesto para 2013. El NCWSC ("El Comité") aprobó este presupuesto en detalle, y se presentara para su aprobación en forma resumida. Creemos que es un presupuesto razonable, y es equilibrado. Dentro del presupuesto de los coordinadores hay una prestación ampliado en gran medida para la interpretación profesional para nuestros miembros que hablan español. El Comité quiere comprometerse para incluir totalmente a los grupos de español.Un presupuesto es un plan de gastos. He aprendido que, si quiero hacer reír a mi Poder Superior, debo decir mis planes; sin embargo, como una corporación, es necesario tener una idea general de nuestros intenciones para gastar nuestro dinero. El presupesto nos da nuestros objetivos y guias. Existen muchas formas para ajustar estos a medida que avanzamos, que sin duda es necesario, ya que hacemos estos planes con mucha anticipación.Estoy disponible para hablar con sus distritos o grupos de cualquier cosa relacionada con Al-Anon. Mi información de contacto se incluye en la parte posterior del 12 Stepper.

Chairperson: Yvonne dGHello AFG Family,I am Grateful to report that I had the privilege to attend SWRDM

(South West Regional Delegates Meeting) in Santa Cruz.It was great to see so many friends and meet new incoming Area Chairs and Delegates. It is great to hear the experience, strength and hope of the past and current Delegates and to witness how they welcome the incoming Delegates and honor the outgoing. Thank you Sandy C for bringing SWRDM to Northern California.As a result of being exposed to new and different things, I decided to take the Concept of TSAs and bring it back to our one day Assembly.I had the honor to speak at our NCWSA Convention that was held in Squaw Valley and various other events & meetings.I have closely worked with our Facility Coordinator on several different things, among others a walkthrough at the Embassy Suites in Monterey for our three-day Assembly in October We have monthly conference calls with the officers and our delegate to keep current.I am slowly growing into my new shoes. Thank you for letting me serve you as your Area Chair for panel 52.

Secretary: Patti RAs Secretary, I record the minutes from each Committee meeting and Assembly and present the Committee or the Assembly with the minutes from previous meetings for review, corrections, and approval. I also maintain the roster of officers and committee members, including coordinators and district representation and a Yahoo group for the same.As part of my duties, I read the roll call at committee meetings and assemblies. I know I may not get a chance to meet each and every one of you here at

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Assembly over the three years of our time together, but I will do my best to try. I am thrilled to be a part of this coming together of representation of groups throughout northern California. I love that feeling of connection and it is one reason I am in service at the Area level.The day-to-day work at this job is demanding, and I struggle to keep up with it. It is hard to ask for help or even to know what kind of help I need. I come face to face with my need for perfection, my fear of doing the job wrong and my fear of criticism. These are some of the reasons I do service -- so I will have to grapple with my character defects, and have the great company of others involved in working their own program around similar or different issues. Thank you for the opportunity to be of service and to be myself. Grateful to be of and in service with all of you/

Treasurer: Claude D.Thank you all who have been sending donations. We greatly appreciate your support. NCWSA donations are to be mailed to:

NCWSA TreasurerPO BOX 728VACAVILLE, CA95696-0728

The NCWSA website has a DONATION FORM that can be downloaded and used to mail in your donations: www.ncwsa.org, select SERVICE, click on FORMS, click on “Donation Form A25”. It is recommended that you use this form when you make a donation.

If you have questions or want to communicate with me, you can contact me by email at: treasurer@ncwsa.org. I will do my best to respond in a timely fashion.

Area Alateen Process Person for Alateen Safety (AAPP):Charli D.This service position has kept me quite busy since the first of the year. Much of January and February was spent revising and editing the forms associated with the process, after discussion with Bonnie and others on the Alateen Safety Advisory Committee. Thanks to Joyce and Errol, the revised forms are posted on the website. Some of WSO’s requirements have changed: we no longer have a billing number with the Department of Justice, so applicants must pay the $15 fee for FBI clearance, as well as the scanning fee. The Area will reimburse that FBI fee, but--like everything in the process--the District Alateen Process Person (DAPP) must approve the request. The World Service Office staff have made it very clear: “We must know who is with our teens.” They rely on the Area to send approved applications. As Area Process Person, I rely on the local District Alateen Process Person (DAPP) to send approved applications to me. Only by meeting with the applicants (or sponsors when recertifying) do we have any assurance that people are who they say they are, and are safe to leave our teens with.

In the last week, Martha L. and Amparo M. have started translating the forms and instructions into Spanish. The Travel and Treatment Authorization has been posted in Spanish for some time.Over 40 applicants have been processed and certified as new AMIAS (Al-Anon Members In Alateen Service) this year! More are in process. When all the paperwork comes through as laid out in the new documents, even if there are glitches in the investigation process, I have the information needed to problem-solve. I send paperwork to the World Service Office every week. Usually I get the certifications back two weeks later. As of May, Districts 26, 9 and 4 had completed their recertification paperwork. Districts 2, 3, 6, 11, 12, 13, 19, and Santa Clara Valley Intergroup had sent in nearly all their paperwork. This needed to be completed by the end of May. Group changes are only reported back to me once a month. Using the correct form (Alateen, not Al-Anon) for Alateen registrations and changes, going through the DAPP, being sure that two AMIAS are listed as sponsors with the same names and addresses as are on their certifications--all help avoid having the forms sent back unprocessed. We DO NOT register Alateen groups with only one sponsor! Unregistered groups may not meet as Alateen. Groups have received update forms. An easy way to make changes is on those forms, which come back to me. I have

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to have them by the end of June. Any group that does not have its form sent in to the World Service Office by the deadline will lose its registration and will not be able to meet as Alateen!Another aspect of the Alateen Safety Process is knowing who is with our kids at events. In order to post flyers on the web site, the event needs to be approved for Alateen Safety. I have a handout that explains what is required. It is not enough to just say that the event abides by the NCWSA Requirement for Alateen Safety, I need to know HOW the event plans to do that. The most important thing is knowing that there will be certified AMIAS serving as Alateen sponsors at the event. As we plan events in our districts and at Area level, we need to build in Alateen safety by assuring that there will be AMIAS committed to being present and aware throughout the events.I am most easily reached by e-mail to aapp@ncwsa.org. Mail addressed to AAPP, PO Box 6847, Albany, CA 94706, is picked up several times each week. I have trouble hearing phone messages, but they may be left at (510) 526-4687.

Executive CommitteeWe hit the floor running at the February NCWSC meeting and did several Financial Assistant (FA) interviews with members of the 2012 NOCAC Committee. Since that time we have also interviewed the FAs and/or Treasurers for the April Convention and One-Day Assembly. In addition we have conducted a formal transition meeting with the previous EC.

In an effort to get to know our job and responsibilities, we have had several phone meetings. During the course of these meetings we elected a Chairperson, Lisa B; member at large and Secretary Carla G from the central section; reviewed both the NCWSA EC Guidelines and EC Checklist; reviewed the sections of the Bylaws that specifically referred to the EC; and reviewed the Management Audit report dated September 15, 2011. Unfortunately, the DR from the South resigned shortly after our first phone call.We interviewed Claude and Johanna, and worked with Claude in making revisions to the FA Guidelines that we hope you will approve. We have noted that some of the Treasurer’s guidelines are very old and are causing some confusion about whether we should follow the old guidelines or the newer procedures that are being used by some Officers, Coordinators, and FAs. We would like to impress upon you the importance of having the Officer’s Guidelines up-dated as soon as possible.We would like to remind all Officers and Coordinators to review the NCWSA Executive Committee Checklist 2012-2014, B18.1, and NCWSA Corporate Responsibilities TimeLine Review September 2011, B18.2, to ensure that they are meeting their deadlines so that we do not jeopardize our status as a 501c3 Corporation.Two items were tabled at previous NCWSC meetings and we hope to resolve them.1. The September 2011

Management Audit Report (page 3) referred to a “California law that requires that corporate reports to their shareholders must specifically

describe transactions in excess of $50,000 and any transactions benefiting officers, directors and or principal shareholders of the corporation.”

FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS (Self Dealing): We have discussed this issue with the previous EC, Art B, and several other area members who have voiced concerns related to this issue. We are asking for your assistance in setting a limit for the area that would be substantially less than the $50,000 required under California law.2. The Financial Assistant

Guidelines.FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS:Claude provided us with her suggested changes. A copy of the revised 4/25/2012 draft was placed in your bins. The changes that were made are in bold font and underlined. We feel that the changes reflected in this draft are reasonable and in alignment with the Bylaws. An additional suggestion was made regarding the copies of the deposits and other related items being sent to the Treasurer, Budget Committee, and EC Chairperson. Claude and Johanna suggestion is that it not necessary to send copies of various documents to the Budget Committee in addition to the EC Chair and Treasurer. Making this change would require a change to the Bylaws. At this time the EC recommends that this procedure remain in place and suggest that a thought force be created to address this suggested change. With that, we would like to vote to accept the 4/25/2012 revision of the NCWSA Financial Assistant Guidelines and create a thought force.We are extremely grateful to the previous EC for all their help and

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support during this time of learning and your support and understanding as move forward.Respectfully Submitted,Lisa B, EC Chair, Member at Large, Alternate Alateen CoordinatorCarla G, EC Secretary, Central Section DRRoger EC, Northern Section DRRosanna EC, Member at Large

Coordinator ReportsAlateen Coordinators: Bonnie M & Lisa BI’d like to welcome all new Group Representatives. It’s always a joy to be with my Al-Anon family.Since the February Committee meeting, I attended the first NoCAC fundraiser in March; attended two NoCAC committee meetings in a supporting role; and participated in the NCWSA Convention in April. The Convention was a great opportunity to review our Convention Alateen Safety procedures and see what works and what could be improved.We have confirmed our speakers for the 2012 Sponsors R & R weekend. Please consider the importance of training and support for Al-Anon Members Involved in Alateen Service (AMIAS) and support the Alateen group sponsors, AMIAS and potential AMIAS in your districts who wish to attend. It is a wonderful, informative, spiritual, warm and loving weekend where we share our passion for Alateen, September 14-16, 2012, at Westminster Woods.Lisa has produced the first edition of Alateen Express, the

Northern California Alateen Newsletter, of the year!

Archives Coordinators: Chris M & Diana DSince October, we have gathered additional archives. Keep them coming. I continued working on the area History project by creating a summary of trusted servants for the past 12 years. We still need District histories and Coordinator histories for the past 10 years and we have asked that these be completed no later than the May Assembly so we can try to create the next edition in time for the 10 year anniversary of the “Journey to Recovery – A Fifty Year History”. So far, we have only received a couple entries. In the event we don’t receive a District or Coordinator history, we will do our best to compile highlights from past 12 Steppers as part of this summer’s archive parties.Other Archive resources and things to know:Want to learn more about archives or help work on the area archive projects? Attached is a flyer announcing this summer-fall archive parties. The Archives Starter Kit with General information and tips is all available online. Groups and Districts can create and maintain their own Archives. Keep it Simple. Diana has been busy creating archive binders and has provided a copy to those Districts who have requested one. If your District is interested in an Archives binder, please contact the alternate Archives Coordinator, Diana C @ dcotta@dimare-ca.com . Archive displays are available for special events and will be

provided upon request. Sharing area archives at events is a great way for the fellowship to learn about the past. We don’t have to always “reinvent the wheel.” Please allow at least two weeks for Coordinator to access and assemble records.Did you know the AFG headquarters has a history book that makes a great literature and discussion book complete with questions? Check out Many Voices, One Journey. Some delegates at the Southwest Regional Delegates Meeting put on a great skit using this book and we are working on getting a copy which might be used at a future area or district event. Thanks again for the opportunity to serve and grow,Having a Blast from the Past!

Bylaws and Insurance Coordinators: Joyce D & Kim Ann HSee April Issue for report.

Facilities Coordinators: DeDe W & Peggy PThe start to this panel has been very active for me and exciting. I’m getting a crash course in this service position and with lots of help from many people getting to learn more and more as the days pass.This weekend I will present a suggested NCWSA meeting rotation for discussion. I hope the discussion will lead us to set dates and locations for all of this panel’s meetings. This might make it easier for members to participate in hosting and also attending all of the areas events.I have been working with trusted servants to update all of the forms related to facilities. Thanks for all the feedback about what you are hoping to see on the updated forms. I am so grateful for everyone’s

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enthusiasm in letting me know their ideas about places we can have our functions.There is lots of creativity and passion within our membership. I hope this weekend is a wonderful experience for everyone!A QUICK LITTLE IMPORTANT NOTE:It's important that we all understand how making your hotel reservations for NCWSA events affects the bottom line for NCWSA. When we sign a hotel contract, we almost always have to commit to a certain number of rooms, creating a room block with a date by which we must reserve those rooms. In order to get credit towards our room block and also guarantee the quoted group rate, we must reserve no later than the cut-off date. WE DO NOT GET CREDIT FOR ROOMS BOOKED AFTER THE CUT OFF DATE.The benefits of reserving your rooms before the cut-off date:1. We get credit for EVERY room reserved before the cut-off date.2. We ensure that we get credit for every room booked.3. We improve our resume for other hotel contracts, showing that we met our commitments and that we can be a positive business partner.4. We act as responsible trusted servants with our members’ generous support.5. We function more like a non-profit should, in this day and age, with this much responsibility,leaving a legacy of good stewardship.

Group Records Coordinator: Carol GGreetings, Everyone !!Welcome to the world of Group Records. In my new service position, I have found my HP to have a warped sense of humor.

Everything that could go wrong has been going wrong. It’s been one obstacle after another.Fortunately, I don’t give up easily and, with the guidance and help of the previous Group Records Coordinator, I’ve been able to keep on going in my quest for the “perfect” service position. Seriously, how many people can honestly say that they’ve had three different computers having similar but separate issues keeping them from getting the job completed? I’ll spare you the details. I’m just grateful that I was able to use still another computer to finally finish up in time.I need to thank Connie F. for her tireless efforts and patience in not only helping me learn this new position, but also getting the 12 Stepper out to all received it. Unfortunately, we didn’t get enough copies made (an oversight to be sure). If you still need a copy, you can print a copy off of our website (ncwsa.org). If you’d like the most current copy of the contact pages, let me know, and I’ll send you a copy via snail mail.I’d like to request that all GR’s send me an updated A-16 form as soon as possible (if you haven’t done so in the past five months), as my goal is to get our group records as accurate as possible to ensure future mailings of the 12 Stepper get to where they should.

Institutions Coordinator: David BIt has just been five months since I stepped into the Institutions Coordinator position and time has speed by. Since January I have had the opportunity to work with many dedicated members in bringing the Al-Anon message of recovery into

prisons, county jails and juvenile halls. And more members are currently reaching out to institutions that presently do not have meetings. Along the way many of us gathered together at the Hospital and Institutions Conference in service of the Al-Anon participation at this event of Alcoholics Anonymous. The newest weekly meeting started at the Deuel Vocational Institution in Tracy. We are learning patience at the San Quentin Prison for a weekly meeting to start in the mainline (general population). As this report is being typed, the Central California Women’s Facility in Chowchilla is reviewing Al-Anon literature to decide if Al-Anon is a program that works for them. While this has been happening, District 12 Institutions Coordinator Priya invited me to participate at their District Institutions Committee training. Their outreach to the county jail turned into a positive response for a weekly meeting at the men’s facility. This will be followed by a meeting in the women’s jail two months later. District 13 has just received a request to start a meeting at the San Mateo County Jail and I will have participated in their training on June 7.These new meetings as well as the existing meetings have two things in common: Members who are willing to practice the Twelfth Step and the need for Al-Anon Literature. Without either of these two ingredients, our Institutions service would not be growing as it is. Your donations to the Pink Cans for Al-Anon Literature are critical in keeping this effort going forward. On behalf of the inside members and our outside members being of service, I sincerely thank you!

www.ncwsa.org August 2012 12 Stepper Page 19 of 34

Are you aware that new weekly meetings are being added at Folsom and Solano State Prisons? Folsom will have their third meeting and Solano with have their eighth meeting (they have a ninth meeting that the inside members hold at their living area). The WSO outreach video is being used on the prisons’ closed circuit television to raise awareness. I have attended the volunteer meetings for the San Quentin meeting and conducted training for the Solano volunteers. I am presently planning a training session for the Deuel Vocation Institution volunteers for the second half of June.The Northern California H&I Conference in Redding was exciting with many panel speakers and the main speakers Saturday afternoon shared from their heart with humor and great words of recovery. The local District provided great support as well as strong attendance. The next Northern California H&I Conference will be at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Foster City on April 5-7, 2013.

Literature/Forum Coordinators: Diana S & Charlene RI am your Literature and Forum Coordinator, with my alternate Charlene R. We will keep you informed about Al-Anon's literature and The Forum magazine. My special interests include:Writing workshops to

provide sharings for the new book on Intimacy and the Forum.

If your District or group of Districts wants me to come and do a workshop, just ask! We held a workshop sponsored by Districts 5 and 11 in Petaluma

on March 31. More than 60 people came, from as far as Clear Lake and San Francisco. The feedback was very positive and we only hope many of you had the courage to send your share to WSO. Did you know that all sharings sent to WSO are kept on file for possible later use in a book, pamphlet or The Forum?"LIT HIT" -- monthly quotes are posted from CAL. Ask your DR to send the quote around your district if you want to participate. News on Conference Approved Literature (CAL): E Literature is a hot topic and our new Delegate is on the Literature Committee. This gives us great access to info and thinking on when ECAL may be a reality. Challenge members to read The Forum's three online articles each month.WSO wants to keep the literature sales supporting local folks, so they are working to see how this can still happen. Be sure to order from your Literature Distribution Center (LDC). For a list of LDCs, go to www.ncwsa.org/ldc.html.There are two new items of CAL this spring: Reprint R-18 for Parents of

Alcoholics Conflict Resolution Wallet

Card, S-71Copies of each item have been put in district mailboxes. The newest book Many

Voices, One Journey (B-31) is available for $16. Do get copies out in your districts as it is a terrific history of our program.

How Al-Anon Works , in soft cover for $5, is still

available. This was offered as a short-term publication to be given to newcomers. Try to stock up while it is still in print in soft cover.

The Forum: The Forum is the classic "meeting in your pocket." Subscriptions are struggling again so work to excite people about The Forum, by: Scheduling a writing

workshop to get members to send stories

Holding a meeting based on a recent copy

Giving newcomers or new GRs a copy

Making sure your group and district has a current subscription

Including The Forum in gift baskets

Remember: all GRS are also representatives for The Forum!The online link to subscribe to The Forum is:https://ssl.perfora.net/s105607162.oneandoneshop.com/sess/utn154f5bcd6bb1ea3/shopdata/index.shopscript.Thank you so much for the opportunity to continue with Area service in this special role. May all of you have a wonderful 2012!

Public Information/ Cooperating with the Professional Community (PI/CPC) Coordinators: Sue M & Cindy D Dear NCWSA Assembly:Thank you for the opportunity to serve as one of the Outreach Coordinators for this panel. The past few months have been spent doing the following: Expanding my email list of Area

Outreach trusted servants (volunteers).

Having volunteers making face-to-face, email and phone contact

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with professionals who have contacted WSO or the Area website.

Reviewing the PI budget. Taking questions from Al-Anon

volunteers on issues like PSA’s, Twitter and Facebook.

Sending out requests from WSO for local “Thank You” campaigns to the local TV and radio markets for broadcasting Al-Anon PSAs.

Reviewing P-90, The Best of Public Outreach.

I’d like to offer a suggestion/ incentive for your groups and district. Please get on the WSO members

website and read P-90, The Best of Public Outreach. Here is your incentive: In 2012, I have a $2500 budget for Outreach. It is available for group/district/ Area use. I am making this available on a first-come, first-served basis in 2012. The goal is to submit to me a project out of the P-90 approved literature for review and approval.

More Action Items: Get on my email contact list to stay

informed. It can be any trusted servant at the group, district or Area level. I keep everyone organized by district so that if a professional calls, I can match them up with a local contact.

Please get groups to do “Thank You” campaigns for TV and radio stations. I have templates approved by the WSO.

New AFG Poster Contest with no deadlinePublic Outreach Poster Contest

Al-Anon and Alateen members are invited to participate in a poster contest for Public Outreach. WSO invites members’ horizontal or vertical designs for new posters based on the current theme: “Is someone else’s drinking tearing you apart?”Please submit your own photo, drawing, painting, or graphic design for consideration. Do not submit copyrighted material, unless the copyright belongs to you. All submissions become the property of Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc.Submissions should be:

In JPEG or PDF format. no larger than 11” X 17” no smaller than 5.5” X 8.5” 200-300 dpi at 100% print size no more than 10MB

Please send your JPEG or PDF submission to the Public Outreach Department at the World Service Office at wso@al-anon.org (att: Public Outreach). Or you can submit a hard copy/CD to:

AFG, Inc.Public Outreach Department

1600 Corporate Landing ParkwayVirginia Beach, VA 23454

Winning entries will be posted on the Members’ Web site for use as Public Outreach posters.Thank you for everything you are willing to do for the families and friends of alcoholics!

Website Coordinators: Errol S & Chris DSee April Issue for report.

************************Sprinkled throughout the May 5, 2012 Assembly, past delegates delivered short announcements (deemed TSA for Trusted Servant Announcement) about various topics such as:It’s All About CommunicationsBy Art B, Past Delegate A sponsee once told me, “My boss said ___,” and I said, “I can’t do that.” Boss said, “It has to be done.” Then my sponsee turned to me and said, “And don’t tell me it’s all about communications.”

Most of the problems we face with people are because we don’t understand each other. I didn’t understand alcoholism until I listened for months to Al-Anon members. Al-Anon has taught me principles I use in my life most days. One of them is, “Talk to each other, reason things out.”

If my attitude is “I know better than you, so you must be wrong, and let me tell you how you are

wrong,” then what I do is lose a friend and I lose the confidence of a coworker when I want him to help me. Recently, the World Service Conference began talking about “Presuming Good Will.” This means that, even though I may disagree with you, you are trying to help rather than sabotage the work that needs to be done. It isn’t “I’m right, you’re wrong,” it’s that we have different ways to help each other.

Can I offer you my way? Can I listen to your way?

As a group representative, you have a huge task when you return to your meeting. You have elected Patrick as delegate to a one-week-long conference. He had to reduce the forty hours of what was discussed and decided in a couple hours today. Your group may not want to give you even five minutes to summarize this two-hour report.

It isn’t necessary to give your entire report in one sitting. Take what you heard and prioritize what you will share. Give them a three-minute summary of one item this week, and one again next week and one again the following week. Be sure your group purchases a copy of the 2012 Conference Summary. When it arrives, pick a few of the topics from it. And do another three-minute summary. Encourage your group members to borrow this summary.

Finally, talk to each other, reason things out, because it’s all about communications.

www.ncwsa.org August 2012 12 Stepper Page 21 of 34

Most of the problems

we face with people

are because we don’t

understand each other.

************************

Convention 2012 - Financial ReportSteps Up Slippery Slopes - April 20, 21, 22 2012 - Squaw Valley

INCOME: Detail Total EXPENSE: Detail Total NET:Registration   Hotel/Speakers    

Pre-Registration $2,065.00   Meeting Rooms $1,508.46    On-Site $2,350.00   Speaker Lodging $1,758.17    Total   $4,415.00 Speaker Travel $363.95    

      Total   $3,630.58  T Shirt Sales          

Ways & Means $635.00        Pre-Reg Sales $214.00          On-Site Sales $330.00          Post Sales $110.00          Total   $1,289.00 T-Shirts   $1,364.00 $(75.00)

             Donation Drawing $449.00 Misc.   $82.84  Silent Auction   $122.00 Silent Auction   $11.88 $110.12 7th Tradition $1,052.32 Programs   $126.86  Hospitality   $295.00 Hospitality   $352.18 $(57.18)      Treasurer   $57.37  

      Greeter   $-  Donations     Pre-Registration   $-  

Helping Hands $247.00   Entertainment   $-  Committee Mileage $564.74   Committee Travel $777.53 $(212.79)Total   $811.74        

             Actual income: $8,434.06 Actual expenses:   $6,403.24  

Budget forecast income: $13,000.00

Budget forecast expenses: $13,000.00

Net Results $2,030.83

Donations for Alateen 2013 $40.00

Attendance 103 pre-registrations (only 5 no shows) 120 (approx.) registered at Squaw 223 total, mixture of overnight and day-only, definitely a few more were there. Last year: 129 pre, 121 on site for approx. total 250 to 275.

Recordings CDs of speakers and workshops are available from Sound Solutions (call them if you don't see the recording

you want): http://soundsolutionsrecording.comComments

Alathons: great topics, lots of them, printed in the program Speakers great Hospitality was awesome Decorations, particularly the banners, very appreciated Some Alathons did not have secretaries Too little Alateen participation Mixed feedback on lodging prices Generally negative feedback on distance

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Confusion on donation drawing, good comments for next year Silent auction enjoyable, wanted more choices

(only 10 pictures this year) MISSING: Entertainment and Literature table T-Shirt "post sales" took place after the convention but before we received the final bill from Squaw.

WSO Newsletters Area HighlightsSummer 2012 – see 12 pages of other articles at http://www.al-anon.org/members/areahighlights.phpFrom Area Highlights, ©2012, by Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc. Reprinted by permission.

Billboards Marian J, Alternate DR District 26Missouri Round Robin, Jan 2012District 26 newest billboard features the public outreach bookmark, “When you don’t know where to turn…”(M-76) with contact information. We are carrying the message on Missouri’s roadways, supporting three billboards, guiding those who have a problem with someone else’s drinking to the peace and serenity the Al-Anon program can provide to anyone willing to work it.

Service – Trusted AuthorityLouise, Fred, and Krista, UK & EireNews & Views, February 2012When asked to write something at our Area Assembly workshop on Concept Two, the three of us in our little group looked at each other and decided this topic was difficult! However, on closer examination (and with some help from our Higher Power), we decided to write on this topic as it pertained to our roles in service.The basis of Al-Anon is that groups are autonomous, but if every decision had to be made by each group member it would be impractical, and we would be bogged down in organizational issues and lose the focus that needs to be on ourselves. So we elect GRs to whom we give trusted authority.The GR then votes on behalf of the group. In turn we also have district and Area representatives who are trusted servants at Area level and Conference. Trusted authority means we have confidence in our trusted servants to

make the decisions that they feel are right, based on the information they receive while serving in their roles. The decisions they make might not be the ones we would make, but by giving our trusted servants authority, we then hand their decisions over to our Higher Power and have faith that the decisions made are the best for Al-Anon as a whole.Alateen TalkAlateen Talk ISSN#1054-1411 is printed quarterly. Subscriptions: individual, $2.50 per year; multiple rate, $7.50 per year for 10 copies. Alateen members from all over the world share their experience, strength, and hope through the written words of Alateen Talk. Their sharings relate to their personal lives, how their Alateen group is functioning, and ways in which to carry the Alateen message to young people who are still suffering from someone else’s drinking. Sharings may be sent to Alateen Talk, AFG Inc., 1600 Corporate Landing Parkway, Virginia Beach, VA 23454-5617, or by e-mail to WSO@al-anon.org, or by fax to (757) 563-1655.http://www.al-anon.org/members/pdf/ alateentalk.pdfFrom Alateen Talk, ©2012, by Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc. Reprinted by permission.

Taylor As I have grown, there have been many events in my life where I have been able to apply the tools I receive from Alateen. The slogans are a simple yet effective tool for reminding me what is important or to take things slower. I use them daily as a means to take more control of my life and my actions. When a lot is going on, I think of “One Day at a Time.” Just being able to go to Alateen and speak freely with other teens helps to put things in perspective.

Ashley Before I came to Alateen, I had big resentments towards my mom. I would get angry when I wouldn’t get my way. I started to realize that all

this anger, even towards the smallest things, was about my resentments towards my mom. I believed that because of her alcoholism, she deserved to be treated with disrespect. I realized that no matter how much she hurt me, the only person I can change is myself. I love her and I have to keep my expectations for her realistic. The bottom line is that she will always be my mother and I should treat her the way I would want to be treated.

Kathleen Alateen has helped me be more open when I am with people. Also, Alateen has opened my eyes to understand alcoholics. Most importantly, I am learning to help myself live a better life.Dustin Before I came to Alateen I was very negative and angry. The program has helped me to be much more positive and much more outgoing. Now I am not afraid to be “me” around everyone!!!! Alateen is great!!! Anonymous Alateen has affected my life in many ways. When I was first introduced to Alateen I didn’t understand it. Now I know I have options. One of the slogans I use most often is “How Important Is It?” If something happens and I want to react, I ask myself: “How Important Is It?” This helps me pause and think about it differently. Since coming to Alateen my life and attitude have been better. I know I need to keep work-ing my program.

Younger Members share:DetachmentAbby When my parents fight I want to just scream at the top of my lungs.

www.ncwsa.org August 2012 12 Stepper Page 23 of 34

Instead I just stay out of it and try to find something to do. I know that it is not my battle. Jessica I used to always take things too seriously. If something a little bad happened, I would act like it was the end of the world. When I came to

Alateen, I learned the slogan “How Important Is It?” This slogan helped me stay sane in times of trouble. Now I am calm and stable even when things aren’t going so great. Melissa “Keep It Simple” is my favorite slogan. I picked that one because I

always overdo stuff in my life. I also loved pointing out other people’s faults. After coming to Alateen, I tell myself to stop concentrating on the bad stuff and concentrate on keeping things simple.

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6th Annual NCWSASponsors Weekend

For Alateen Sponsors and Prospective Sponsors2012 ALATEEN SPONSOR R&R

REJUVENATE and RECOMMITat

Westminster Woods Occidental, CA

September 14-16, 2012Guest Speakers:

Nancy B, Colorado, Yvonne D, Pleasant Hill, John M, San FranciscoA weekend of experience, strength and hope through workshops, sharing,

learning, activities, campfire, talent show and more!!!!!!!!!!! For more information or to volunteer to help,

contact: Bonnie M, Chair, (209) 996-5282 or alateencoordinator@ncwsa.org Lisa B Co-Chair (831) 440-1317 or lisabd23@hotmail.com

Page 26 of 34 August 2012 12 Stepper www.ncwsa.org

This event follows the NCWSA Requirements for Alateen Member Safety.

Our NCWSA Sponsor Weekend is fully self-supporting.Remember: registrations pay for all expenses and include

fees for accommodations, five meals, and activities.

Pre-Registration $155 (Before July 16, 2012)Late Registration $175 (until August 25, 2012, if space available)

Help keep Alateen growing – Sponsor a new Sponsor to attend!Donations may be made to help those in financial need.

NOTE: THESE DONATIONS ARE NOT TAX-DEDUCTIBLE

PLEASE USE A SEPARATE FORM FOR EACH PERSON

Name: Phone: Gender Street Address: City: State: Zip: Email: Current Alateen Sponsor? Y N Group Name: Group Type: Alateen Alateen 6-12 yrs School InstitutionDo you prefer vegetarian meals? Are you available to do a workshop or meeting? How Long Sponsoring? Would you use English/Spanish translation, if provided?

ALL REGISTRANTS MUST SIGN THE FOLLOWING: The undersigned agrees to hold Westminster Woods, Al-Anon and Alateen Family Groups, and Sponsors R&R Weekend harmless from any injury, loss or damage of any nature whatsoever including, but not limited to, the body or any property, and the undersigned agrees to assume full responsibility for any such injury or damage.

SIGNATURE: DATE:

MAKE CHECK PAYABLE TO NCWSA. Amount Enclosed: $

Late Registration only, until August 25, 2012 (if space available)

www.ncwsa.org August 2012 12 Stepper Page 27 of 34

Mail to: Sponsors Weekend Pre-RegistrationLisa B. PO Box 67294, Scotts Valley, CA 95067

(deadline has passed)

Schedule for FridayRegistration and check-in 5:30 to 6 PMAl-Anon Meeting (Optional) 6 to 7 PMKick-Off Meeting 7:30 PMSpeaker/Workshop 8 PMOpen Mic 10 PM

Please do not arrive before 5:30 PM, as our time on the property does not begin until after another group leaves Woods.

Dinner will not be served Friday night, so please eat before you arrive or bring your own food. The event will end on Sunday at 12:30 after the Spiritual Speaker, goodbyes and evaluations.

***********************************************************************************

What to bring: Sleeping bag Blankets Pillow Clothes for warm days & cool nights Swimsuit Snacks

Sunscreen Bug repellent Flashlight Toiletries Towels (for shower & swimming) Folding chair Your Experience, Strength & Hope A willingness to share, learn and grow!

***********************************************************************************

(See more details and form online at www.ncwsa.org under “Calendar”)

Guidelines -- 6th Annual Sponsors R&R at Westminster Woods1. Minimum age to attend is 21 years of age. 2. No co-ed sleeping in cabins and no sleeping in the meeting room. No exceptions. 3. Once registered and checked in, there is no leaving the grounds. During the weekend, there is

no leaving the boundaries of our site without first notifying two committee members.4. No smoking outside the designated smoking area. We are asked to keep the area free from

litter. Anyone caught smoking outside of the designated area will be asked to leave. 5. Meetings and events are mandatory, including talent show.6. Possession of drugs and/or alcohol is strictly forbidden. 7. Illegal weapons, firearms and fireworks are forbidden. 8. No amplified music -- headphones are required. 9. We are guests at Westminster Woods and we ask that the standards of conduct for

Westminster Woods be respected: modest dress, polite language, restraint in public displays of affection, self-control when angry, patience, kindness, understanding, and respect in relationships.

10. Anyone who breaks these guidelines will be asked to leave at his/her own expense.

WE ASK THAT YOU, AS A SPONSOR, FOLLOW THE SAME GUIDELINES THAT THETEENS ARE ASKED TO FOLLOW AT THEIR CONFERENCES. IT’S GOOD PRACTICE.

This weekend will include workshops to support our growth as Alateen Sponsors and members of Al-Anon Family Groups.

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This workshop meets the Educational Training and Awareness Program requirement for Alateen Sponsors

(B-17 NCWSA Requirements for Alateen Member Safety, p.8).

www.ncwsa.org August 2012 12 Stepper Page 29 of 34

DIRECTIONS From the south:

Driving north on 101, take the Cotati exit that says "Highway 116 West" (five miles past 116 East).

At the light, turn left. You are now heading west on Highway 116. Go through the town of Sebastopol, following the signs to stay on Hwy. 116. After you leave the town of Sebastopol, you will drive through the country for about three

miles to a stoplight at Occidental Rd. Turn left. Travel another seven miles until the road ends in Occidental at Bohemian Hwy. Turn right. Travel about four more miles. Westminster Woods is on the left just past Alliance

Redwoods. If you see Mt. Zion Camp, you have gone too far. The address is 6510 Bohemian Hwy. The telephone number is (707) 874-2426.

From the north: Driving south on 101, take the Santa Rosa exit for Guerneville Rd. Turn right at the light. You will now be on Guerneville Rd. Go through Santa Rosa and head out into the country until the road ends at Hwy. 116. Turn

left. Go about one mile to a stoplight at Occidental Rd. Turn right. Travel another seven miles until the road ends in Occidental at Bohemian Hwy. Turn right. Travel about four more miles. Westminster Woods is on the left just past Alliance

Redwoods. If you see Mt. Zion Camp, you have gone too far.

The address is 6510 Bohemian Hwy. The telephone number is (707) 874-2426.

From Sacramento: Take Highway 80 to Vallejo. Go west on Hwy 37 to Hwy 101 North, just south of Novato.

Driving north on 101, take the Cotati exit that says "Highway 116 West" (five miles past 116 East).

At the light, turn left. You are now heading west on Highway 116. Go through the town of Sebastopol, following the signs to stay on Hwy. 116. After you leave the town of Sebastopol, you will drive through the country for about three

miles to a stoplight at Occidental Rd. Turn left. Travel another seven miles until the road ends in Occidental at Bohemian Hwy. Turn right. Travel about four more miles. Westminster Woods is on the left just past Alliance

Redwoods. If you see Mt. Zion Camp, you have gone too far. The address is 6510 Bohemian Hwy. The telephone number is (707) 874-2426.

Looking forward to seeing you in the Woods!

Page 30 of 34 August 2012 12 Stepper www.ncwsa.org

Come to NoCAC’s 2nd bash!!!!!

Anthony Chabot Regional Park(next to Lake Chabot)9999 Redwood Road

Castro Valley, CA 94546August 17, 18 & 19, 2012

$20 registration fee to be paid at event.Group Campsite: Lookout Ridge

Directions:From eastbound I-580 in Castro Valley, take the Redwood Road exit, turn left

(north) on Redwood Road, and go 5.5 miles to Marciel Gate on the left.From westbound I-580 in Castro Valley, take the Castro Valley exit to Castro

Valley Blvd. Turn left on Castro Valley Blvd., then right on Redwood Road. Proceed 5.5 miles to the Marciel Gate entrance.

For more information contact Cat B. (chair) nocacchair@ncwsa.orgJeff G. (sponsor) nocacsponsor@ncwsa.org or (925) 922-8750

This event abides by the NCWSA requirement for Alateen member safety.

www.ncwsa.org August 2012 12 Stepper Page 31 of 34

District Service MeetingsNCWSA Calendars of Events and Service Meetings: http://www.ncwsa.org/calendar.html

Dist 1 1st Wed, 7-8:30 pm, 7th&K Sts,First Christian, Eureka

Dist 15 3rd Sat, 9-11:30 am, 451 Davis St,Leander School, San Leandro

Dist 2 1st Sat, odd months, 3-4:30 pm, Willits Library,Willits

Dist 16 1st Tues, 7-9 pm, 3350 Hopyard Rd,St Clare Episcopal Church, Pleasanton

Dist 3 3rd Sat, 10-2, Quarterly (Jan, Apr, July, Oct),varies--Paradise, Chico, Yuba City

Dist 17 3rd Sat, 3:30-5 pm, Cedar Blvd,Neighborhood Church, Newark

Dist 4 1st Sat, 10:30-12, even months, Blood Source, 1880 Park Marina Dr, Redding

Dist 18 1st Sun, 1-3 pm, 1441 Florida Ave,Doctors’ Hospital, Modesto

Dist 5 1st Tue, 7-8:30 pm, 1300 St Francis Rd,Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Santa Rosa

Dist 19 Last Sat, 12:30-2:30 pm, 922 N. Van Ness,D19 AFG, Fresno

Dist 6 2nd Sat, 1-3 pm, 1000 Nut Tree Rd,Vacaville Valley Hospital, Vacaville

SCVI(20-22)

2nd Tues, 7:30-9 pm, 1 West Campbell,Campbell

Dist 7 4th Wed, 7:30-9 pm, Kaiser at Watt andMarconi, Sacramento

Dist 20 3rd Wed, 7-8:30 pm, Immanuel Lutheran Church,Saratoga

Dist 8 1st Tues, 7-8 pm, Bruceville Rd,Sierra Vista Hospital, Sacramento

Dist 21 1st Wed, 7-9 pm, Christ the Good Shepherd,San Jose

Dist 9 3rd Wed, even months, 6:30 pm,location varies monthly

Dist 22 4th Wed, SCVI Offices, Campbell

Dist 10 3rd Wed, 7-8:30 pm, Barton @ Rocklin,Shepherd of the Sierra, Loomis

Dist 23 3rd Sat, odd months, 610 Frederick St,Solarium Room, Santa Cruz

Dist 11 4th Tues, 7:30-9 pm,Unitarian Church, San Rafael

Dist 24 Sept 18, 6:30 pm; Nov 15 6 pm; Marina PublicLibrary, Marina--check website for January

Dist 12 2nd Wed, 7-9 pm, 1095 Market St,#800, San Francisco

Dist 25 2nd Mon, 7 pm, 377 87th St,Broadmoor Presbyterian Church, Daly City

Dist 13 2nd Mon, 7-9 pm, 233 Topaz,Redwood City

Dist 26 3rd Sat, 1:30-3pm, 1744 University Ave,Lutheran Church, Berkeley

Dist 14 1st Wed, 7:30-9 pm, Lesher Auditorium, John Muir, Concord

Dist 27 1st Sun, 11:15-12:30 Ravera Rd,Pershing Bldg, Stockton

District Speaker MeetingsDist 1 First Christian Church

7th St and K St, EurekaLast Thursday of every month, 7 - 8 pm

Dist 16 St. Clare Episcopal Church3350 Hopyard Rd, Pleasanton2nd Saturday of every month, 8 pm

Dist 6 Kaiser Hospital (3rd floor, Rooms C & D)Vaca-Valley Pkwy, VacavilleLast Friday of every month, 7 - 8:15 pm

Dist 17 Holy Redeemer, Fellowship Hall35660 Cedar Blvd, Newark 4th Saturday of every month, 5:30 pm

Dist 7 Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd1615 Morse Ave, SacramentoLast Saturday in Jan, April, July & Oct, 7 - 9 pm

Dist 19 San Joaquin Memorial Pastoral CenterSt. Francis Building, Room B1550 N. Fresno St, Fresno 1st Monday of every month, 7:30 pm

Dist 10 Lutheran Church of Resurrection6365 Douglas Blvd, Granite Bay3rd Sunday of every month ,2 - 4 pm

Dist 20 Immanuel Lutheran Church14103 Saratoga Ave, Saratoga4th Fri, even months except Dec ,7:30 -9:30 pm

Dist 12 2nd Sun 7-9 pm 222 Church StSan Francisco2nd Sunday of every month 7 – 9 pm

Dist 23 Quaker Meeting House225 Rooney St, Santa Cruz3rd Fri, even months except Dec, 5:30-7:45 pm

Dist 14 Walnut Creek Kaiser, 1515 Newell Ave (3rd Fl. Oak Rm. #1)4th Saturday of every month, 6:30 - 9 pm

Dist 24 1st Friday of odd months, 7-9 pm(Please check website for updates)

Dist 15 All Saints Episcopal Church911 Dowling Blvd, San LeandroLast Saturday of every month, 5:30 - 8:15 pm

Dist 26 Kaiser Permanente, Building C, 3rd Floor, Conference Room F901 Nevin Ave, Richmond1st Saturday of every month, 6:30 – 8 pm

Also online at http://www.ncwsa.org/service-calendar/

Page 32 of 34 August 2012 12 Stepper www.ncwsa.org

Al-Anon AcronymsAA Alcoholics Anonymous, a fellowship of people recovering from alcoholism following the 12

Steps, 12 Traditions and 12 Concepts of ServiceAAPP Area Alateen Process Person – an NCWSA OfficerADAT A Day at a Time, one of the Alateen daily readersAFG Al-Anon Family Groups, a fellowship of people recovering from the family disease of

alcoholism following the 12 Steps, 12 Traditions and 12 Concepts of ServiceAIS Area Information Service, mailing address and phone service for districts or areas; often

at the LDC (see below)AMIAS Al-Anon Member Involved in Alateen ServiceCAL Conference Approved Literature, our fellowship literature written by you and me and

approved by the WSC (see below)DAPP District Alateen Process PersonDR District Representative, a member of the fellowship who facilitates district meetings and

attends NCWSC meetingsGR Group Representative, a member of the fellowship who participates in district meetings

and attends NCWSA AssembliesH&I Hospitals & Institutions, an AA term for outreach efforts to hospitals and institutions; Al-

Anon participates in the annual AA H&I conferenceKBDM Knowledge-Based Decision Making, a process for reaching a group conscienceLDC Literature Distribution Center, like a bookstore (non-profit) for CALNCWSA Northern California World Service Area, one of 68 WSAs in the USA and Canada.NCWSC Northern California World Service Committee, made up of DRs, officers, coordinators and

a few others who meet three times a year (Feb, May and July) and serve to keep meetings in touch with our worldwide fellowship

ODAT One Day At A Time, one of the Al-Anon daily readersPI/CPC Public Information and Cooperating with Professional Community (outreach)SWRDM Southwest Regional Delegate's Meeting, an orientation meeting for incoming delegates

held by current and past delegates from our nine-area region, which includes NCWSA, SCWSA, Oregon, Hawaii, Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, & Colorado

TEAM Together Empowering Al-Anon MembersWSA World Service Area; each area is represented by a delegate at the WSCWSC World Service Conference, Al-Anon's annual meeting in April (see pg 111 of the Service

Manual)WSO World Service Office, AFG headquarters in Virginia Beach (see pg 111 of the Service

Manual)

Keep It Simple--ABCC

www.ncwsa.org August 2012 12 Stepper Page 33 of 34

For a bigger, better, more accurate, clickable

version of this map, and much more detailed meeting list, please visit

our website:ncwsa.org/meeting-map/

Towns Where Groups Meet by District Number (thanks to Jess R for the idea):1. Arcata, Crescent City, Eureka, Fortuna, Gasquet, Klamath,

McKinleyville, Redway, Smith River, Willow Creek2. Covelo, Fort Bragg, Gualala, Hidden Valley Lake, Lakeport,

Laytonville, Lower Lake, Mendocino, Ukiah, Willits3. Berry Creek, Chester, Chico, Greenville, Magalia, Oland,

Oroville, Paradise, Quincy, Taylorsville, Willows, Yuba City4. Alturas, Anderson, Fort Jones, Happy Camp, Mt Shasta, Red

Bluff, Redding, Shasta Lake, Susanville, Weaverville, Yreka5. American Canyon, Cloverdale, Glen Ellen Guerneville,

Healdsburg, Kenwood, Napa, Petaluma, Rohnert Park, St. Helena, Santa Rosa, Sebastopol, Sonoma, Windsor

6. Davis, Dixon, Esparto, Fairfield, Rio Vista, Vacaville, Vallejo, Woodland

7. Carmichael, North Highlands, Sacramento8. Elk Grove, Galt, Rancho Cordova, Sacramento, West

Sacramento9. Cameron Park, Coloma, El Dorado, El Dorado Hills,

Georgetown, Jackson, Pine Grove, Placerville, Pollock Pines, Shingle Springs

10. Auburn, Colfax, Downieville, Fair Oaks, Folsom, Grass Valley, Loomis, Nevada City, Orangevale, Rocklin, Roseville, Truckee

11. Corte Madera, Inverness, Mill Valley, Novato, San Anselmo, San Geronimo, San Quentin, San Rafael, Tiburon

12. San Francisco13. Belmont, Burlingame, Foster City, Half Moon Bay, Ladera,

Menlo Park, Palo Alto, Redwood City, San Carlos, San Mateo

14. Alamo, Antioch, Bay Point, Benicia, Brentwood, Concord, Danville, Discovery Bay, Lafayette, Martinez, Napa, Oakley, Orinda, Pittsburg, Pleasant Hill, San Ramon, Walnut Creek

15. Alameda, Castro Valley, Hayward, Oakland, Piedmont, San Leandro, San Lorenzo

16. Dublin, Livermore, Pleasanton, San Ramon17. Fremont, Newark, Union City18. Arnold, Ceres, Los Banos, Manteca, Mariposa, Merced,

Modesto, Murphys, Newman, Oakdale, Patterson, Sonora, Soulsbyville, Stockton, Tracy, Turlock, Winton

19. Coarsegold, Fresno, Hanford, Kingsburg, Los Banos, Madera, Oakhurst, Reedley, Sanger, Selma, Visalia

20. Alviso, Cupertino, Los Altos, Mountain View, San Jose, Santa Clara, Saratoga and Sunnyvale

21. Campbell, Milpitas, San Jose, Santa Clara22. Gilroy, Los Gatos, Morgan Hill, San Jose23. Aptos, Boulder Creek, Felton, Freedom, Hollister, Santa Cruz,

Scotts Valley, Soquel, Watsonville24. Carmel, Carmel Valley, King City, Marina, Monterey, Pacific

Grove, Salinas, Seaside, Soledad25. Burlingame, Daly City, Pacifica, San Bruno, San Mateo, South

San Francisco26. Albany, Berkeley, El Cerrito, El Sobrante, Hercules,

Kensington, Richmond, and San Pablo27. Lodi, Stockton, Valley Springs, West Point

Page 34 of 34 August 2012 12 Stepper www.ncwsa.org

www.ncwsa.org August 2012 12 Stepper Page 35 of 34

NCWSA 12 Stepper Newsletter Subscription Form

Have you subscribed? All 12 Stepper Newsletters are posted on www.ncwsa.org (without the NCWSA Contact Information pages).

Paper Copies: Each registered group receives a complimentary copy. However, if a group can afford it, it is suggested that groups pay the $6 fee to help the 12 Stepper be self-supporting. Please help to improve the unity of our wonderful fellowship by giving the gift of communication.

Subscriptions also make an excellent gift. Perhaps you or your group would benefit from an extra copy.

Subscriptions are for two issues of the 12 Stepper, typically published in April and August each year. The December issue is an online issue and is not printed nor sent in the mail.

Subscriptions are $6 for 2 issues or $11 for 4 issues. Please make checks payable to NCWSA 12 Stepper.

Amount _______ Check # _________ Date ____/____/____

Please mail to our new address:

NCWSA TreasurerPO Box 728Vacaville, CA 95696-0728

To send donations to NCWSA(new address):

NCWSA TreasurerPO Box 728Vacaville, CA 95696-0728

Page 36 of 34 August 2012 12 Stepper www.ncwsa.org

PERSONAL Only New Renewal Address change

Name:

Address:

City: State: Zip:

GROUPS Only District #______ Group #________

Name of Group: Address 1:

Address 2:

City:_______________________ State:____ Zip: